PS 101: Modern World Governments

Instructor: Tamas Golya

Office: 823 PLC; Office Hours: Tues+Thur 9:30-11am

Email: tgolya@uoregon.edu

GTF: Egor Fedotov

Office: 823 PLC; Office Hours: Thur 3-4pm

Email: efedotov@uoregon.edu

GTF: Tom Mao

Office: 440 McKenzie; Office Hours: Mon 11-11:50am

Email: xmao@uoregon.edu

No man is good enough to govern another man without that other's consent.

Abraham Lincoln

In order to become the master, the politician poses as the servant.

Charles de Gaulle

Politicians are the same all over.

They promise to build a bridge even where there is no river.

Nikita Khrushchev

Course Description

The title of this class, Modern World Governments, does not tell the whole story of what this class is about: We do discuss how the political systems of Britain, France, Germany, Russia, Japan, China, India, Iran, Nigeria and Mexico work. But to understand both the institutions and the major issues that are debated in these countries we have to look at each country’s history too. Only then will we be able to explain why Britain’s democracy is stable while Russia’s democracy is fragile, why Japan tries to be more modern than the West while Iran does not.

For each country, we will cover key historical events, the current political institutions such as parties, parliaments, prime ministers and presidents, the country’s unique political culture and its “hot” issues of today. We will also try to draw comparisons between countries that help us understand what factors are generally most important in determining a country’s stability, its political institutions and economic development.

This beginner’s class will also introduce students to some international issues such as the European Union and globalization. Students will be exposed to some general political science concepts such as the Left-Right spectrum while also discussing current international events and trends.

Readings

Required:

Roskin, Michael G. (2007): Countries and Concepts: Politics, Geography, Culture.

9^th edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Palmer, Monte (2006): Comparative Politics: Political Economy, Political Culture, and

Political Interdependence. 3^rd edition. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth.

Chapter 9 (India: Democracy in Turmoil). (on Blackboard)

Recommended:

Those who are particularly curious about various topics touched upon in class will find more readings posted on Blackboard as the term progresses.

Assignments and Grading

Midterm Exam #1 (30%)

The midterm exam will take place on Thursday of Week Five. It will be roughly equally divided between a multiple choice part and essay questions that test your understanding of the material covered in the required readings AND in lecture. No open books or notes.

Tips regarding the multiple choice part: There’s always only ONE correct answer. If you have no clue, take a guess. Read carefully!

Tips regarding the essay part: Read extra carefully! Try to take every word of the question into account while writing your answer. Construct a logically coherent argument (e.g. define and describe a theoretical concept before you apply it to a case). Discuss counterarguments too. Provide examples.

Midterm Exam #2 (30%)

Same deal as midterm #1, given on Thursday of Week Nine.

In both exams, you will be given a choice of essay topics.

News Presentation (20%)

You will be required to collect and condense the latest news on one foreign country (of your choice) and share the information by posting it twice on Blackboard throughout the term. Each posting should not exceed one typed page and has to include references. You will have to consult at least two different non-American media sources (e.g. Asian, Australian, British, Canadian, Israeli newspapers) and report on at least two different news items for each posting. Should you be able to read another language, please feel free to use your language skills and consult media sources in the foreign language. The news assignment sheet will list some suggested news sources from around the world.

Quizzes (20%)

There will be five short pop quizzes in class out of which your top two scores count. These quizzes will not be announced. In other words, this is also a test of your attendance.

Optional Paper (up to 10 BONUS points)

For extra-motivated students, there is a possibility to write a short (7-10 pages) research paper. For this paper, you have to write a review on a country not covered by the textbook or the lecture. More information can be found on the paper assignment sheet.

I do not grade on a curve. Therefore, not submitting a paper will not hurt your grade.

Class Policies

Late Work/Make Ups

There is no make-up possible for the news presentation, the quizzes or the optional paper. Only a written note (e.g. from a doctor) exempts you from having to take either exam at the assigned date. However, you need to contact me about such issues by the day of the exam, at the latest. Student-athletes should contact me as early as possible (i.e. at the beginning of the term) regarding excused days of absence and with relevant contact information for proctoring exams on the road etc.

Incompletes

Incompletes will only be granted in exceptional emergency situations (death in the immediate family, serious illness etc.). In all other cases the grade will be based upon the work completed by the end of the class, which may result in a failing grade. The grade “I” for Incomplete will be assigned only after the instructor and the student have completed and signed a Contract for Grade of Incomplete, which is available on the Political Science Department Website at http://polisci.uoregon.edu/acrobat/IncompleteContract.pdf

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is using someone else’s ideas and presenting them as your own. Just don’t do it!

If you are caught doing this you risk failing the class – even if it only applied to the optional paper. Contact me if you have any questions. Also, take a look at the following UO website for clarification and guidance: http://libweb.uoregon.edu/guides/plagiarism/students/

The University of Oregon Student Conduct Code will be enforced. You can view the code at: http://studentlife.uoregon.edu/programs/student_judi_affairs/index.htm

Disabilities

Students with disabilities will be accommodated. Please contact Disability Services, 164 Oregon Hall, at 346-1155 and they will advise me as to how to meet your needs.

The #1 Class Policy

Have fun – with the assignments, the readings, the web surfing, and, hopefully, in class!

I will attempt to leave some room for discussion time in class, in addition to the discussion sections. Take advantage of that…

Course outline with relevant textbook chapters

(slight changes possible)

3/31 Intro (Roskin 1)

4/1-4/3 Britain (Roskin 2-6)

4/7-4/8 European Union (Roskin 17)

(4/7 guest lecture by Leif Hoffmann on the EU)

4/9-4/15 France (Roskin 7-11)

4/16-4/22 Germany (Roskin 12-16)

(4/23 guest lecture by Bruno Anili on Italy)

4/24-4/29 Russia (Roskin 18-22)

4/29-4/30 Review

5/1 MIDTERM EXAM #1

5/5-5/7 Japan (Roskin 23-27)

5/8-5/13 China (Roskin 28-32)

5/14-5/15 India (Palmer 9)

5/19-5/20 Iran (Roskin 35)

5/21-5/22 Nigeria (Roskin 34)

5/26 MEMORIAL DAY (no classes)

5/27-5/28 Review

5/29 MIDTERM EXAM #2

6/2-6/3 Mexico (Roskin 33)

6/4 Globalization; OPTIONAL PAPER DUE

6/5 A look into the future